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bluestem pricklypoppy

Scientific Name: Argemone albiflora

Family: Papaveraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Biennial

Other Names:

       

Argemone albiflora - White Prickly Poppy

Argemone albiflora, commonly known as the white prickly poppy, bluestem prickly poppy, or Texas prickly poppy, is an erect plant recognized for its decorative white flowers.

Considerations for Pets

  • All parts of the plant are considered hazardous.
  • The plant features needle-like spikes, giving rise to the common name "prickly poppy."
  • A sticky, yellow sap oozes out when the stem is broken. Alkaloids in this sap and seeds are toxic.

Considerations for Children

  • All parts of the plant are considered hazardous.
  • The plant features needle-like spikes, giving rise to the common name "prickly poppy."
  • A sticky, yellow sap oozes out when the stem is broken. Alkaloids in this sap and seeds are toxic.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Argemone albiflora Hornem.
  • Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: A. alba, Argemone platyceras, A. intermedia, A. intermedia var. polyanthemos.
  • Subspecies: Argemone albiflora ssp. texana G.B. Ownbey, Argemone albiflora ssp. albiflora

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to tropical America.
  • Specimen photographed at Fort Frederica National Monument, St. Simons Island, Georgia.
  • Also found in Big Bend National Park, Texas.
  • Present in Arizona and California.

Ecological Role

  • Considered weedy or invasive in some areas.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Erect, prickly plant with deep roots.
  • Annual, flowering plant with prickly leaves.
  • White, cupped flowers.
  • Bristly stem that is often branched.

Common Names

  • White Prickly Poppy
  • Bluestem Prickly Poppy
  • Texas Prickly Poppy
  • Mexican Poppy
  • Carolina Poppy
  • Desert Poppy
  • Fried Egg Flower

Quirky Facts

  • The Lakota Native American tribe used the yellow sap for medicinal purposes.
  • Some sources note a rare pink form of the flower.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It might be confused with Shortspike Bluestem or Broomsedge Bluestem.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden: A community sharing tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
  • Steven Foster Photography: Specializing in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
  • Discover Life: Page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Argemone albiflora.
  • USDA PLANTS Database: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARALT
  • State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory: https://floridamemory.com/items/show/95666
  • Wildflower.org: www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ARALT